This modern weekend retreat was designed for a family of four and their extended family by Butler Armsden Architects, located in Sonoma, California. Nestled high up on a hillside, this spectacular residence offers sweeping views over the Sonoma Valley. This area was famously christened the “Valley of the Moon” by renowned American novelist, Jack London. As a matter of fact, to the west of this home rests Jack London’s former estate. The homeowners are a couple with young children, who wished to design a sustainable family vacation retreat that could last them for decades.

This award-winning home “reinterprets the wonderful spaces of the original Spanish haciendas of Mission-Era California using a truly modern vocabulary.” The architect designed this house as a courtyard property, which was popular in the early architecture of this region. Adding to the impressive list of features for this home, it has garnered LEED Silver designation. It uses the oldest methods for energy conservation, with deep roof overhangs and orienting the structure to capture the prevalent valley breezes. This home also uses the modern technology to generate electricity and hot water.

Accolades: Butler Armsden Architects is the recipient of the AIA Redwood Empire Award.

What We Love: This beautiful modern weekend retreat is surrounded by a serene, forested setting with a fantastic indoor-outdoor connection. Expansive windows frames these striking views, while also helping to illuminate the interior living spaces with natural light. Incorporating sustainable features into this home only adds to its overall impressive achievements… Readers, please share with us in the comments below what you like or do not like about the design of this home!

Note: Have a look below for the “Related” tags for more fascinating home tours from the portfolio of Butler Armsden Architects.

Above: The design of this structure is rooted in a dynamic interplay between nature and the built environment.